Nestled just outside of Marblemount, WA in the southern corner of the fabulous North Cascades National Park, Boston Basin provides a plethora of views and potential adventures. With the hanging glaciers clinging to rocks like insects with flowing legs of water, the peaks that loom above the snow cover are ridged with skinny towers and overhanging precipices. It also makes for a popular destination for climbers and hikers alike on weekends of excellent weather. With that said it makes all the sweeter the fact that we were able to get up there on a Thursday and Friday with litterally the place all to ourselves.

Mt. Stuart

After a nice reconnaissance trip to the south side of Mt. Stuart in the latter part of July, it was certain that a trip back to the area was going to have to be made. It was the first time that I had personally been through this part of the Stuart-Ingalls basin and surely would not be the last. The key to being able to get a good area to camp on a nice clear summer day in this busy part of the wilderness is to get a good head start and know where you are going. Since we utilized neither of these options, we left only vaguely hopeful of a chance to have a spot to put the tent that night. Bivouacking, as usual, was always an option, but if we were going to haul the tent over Longs Pass, was wanted some kind of chance that I could Pitch it when I got to the other side. So, clutching our map in hand we scampered off up the trail with only the good fortune of clear skies above our heads.

The road end

It really has been a while since the last time I went hiking and getting outside in the middle of March to go hiking up at 6000 feet almost seemed insane. This year though the snow level has been so low that getting up to higher levels does not require too much snow travel at all. Taking it to the next level, we brought a map and compass and a two day supply of food (in case we got lost) and planned to Hike through the forest to our lookout destination via a trail-less beeline. Again, in the middle of March and without snowshoes.

One of the more popular hikes on the weekend still lends itself to solitude during the week if you can manage to get a little time off from work. The greatest thing about it is the easy access from Seattle, less than an hours, which explains the hoards on the weekends.

The I-90 corridor offers a multitude of different training options for the early season, when the weather is sometimes at its worst. If you’re trying to beat the crowds on Mt. Si, try this beautiful chute on Granite Mountain a few miles up the road.